A better deal for renters

A better deal for renters

Not everyone can afford to buy a house, but we all deserve somewhere to call home.

However, renting has become incredibly expensive and it’s only getting worse. The Greens will stop unfair rent hikes, increase comfort and ensure disputes with landlords can be resolved quickly and cheaply without the courts.

The property market has been driven by the interests of big developers and speculative investors looking to make profits, and it's more difficult than ever for people to find affordable rentals or save to own their own home.

When you do secure a rental home, it can be cold, damp and draughty in winter, and have no or inefficient heating and hot water, costing the renter a bundle. Often renters are too afraid to raise repairs or minor improvements required for fear that reminding the landlord they are there will lead to a rent increase.

Recently, after many years of campaigning, we achieved some crucial improvements for renters, including limiting rent increases to once a year, ending no grounds evictions and rental bidding, and creating the power to set minimum standards in rental properties.

But there is still more to do to stop unfair rent hikes and ensure the increasing number of lifetime renters have the ability to make their home comfortable.

To improve rental affordability, comfort and reduce barriers to renters getting a fair deal in their home, the Greens will:

Support renters to be a part of the solar revolution by providing $1000 grants for renters and people living in apartments to buy solar panels in solar gardens on public buildings, like train stations. Read about the Greens’ Solar for Everyone plan

We will also build more public housing and invest in community and other affordable housing so people on low incomes don’t end up homeless.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this country as the first inhabitants, and the custodians of the lands where we live and work. We pay tribute to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and give respect to Elders past, present and emerging.